Charleston Real Estate Market Update: What in the Heck is Going On?
March 2025 Data Review (Yes, We Know It’s April)
Let’s talk about what’s really happening in the Charleston real estate market—because if you’re feeling confused, you’re not alone. There’s a lot of chatter out there, but let’s ground this in the actual numbers.
📊 Inventory is Up... Finally!
Year to date, we have 11% more homes on the market than we did this time last year. That’s big. For the past few years, inventory has been flat—or even shrinking. So this is a noticeable shift.
📈 But Here’s the Twist—Sales Are Up Too
In Upper Mount Pleasant, where many of my listings are, closed sales are up 23% compared to last year. Yes, really. The same trend holds true across other areas of Charleston too—maybe not 23%, but definitely higher.
So what does that mean for sellers? It means homes are selling, and buyers are actively out there. But…
👀 Buyers Are Pickier Than Ever
Even with more inventory, buyers are being much more selective. We’re still seeing showings—and in some cases, lots of showings—but buyers now have the luxury of choice. After years of scarcity, they’re adjusting to being able to take their time, explore options, and, honestly, make demands.
🧠 The 2008 Mindset Is Back—But It Doesn’t Apply
Here’s the thing: some buyers think we’re in a slump like 2008. They believe prices should be dropping significantly, or that they’ll score some kind of massive deal.
But the reality? That’s not happening.
💰 Prices Are Holding—And Even Rising Slightly
In North Mount Pleasant, both the median and average sales prices are up about 2.5% year to date. That’s not a huge jump, but it’s certainly not a crash. Prices are correcting from the wild ride of 2021–2023, yes—but they’re not collapsing.
🛠️ And No, Buyers Don’t Want a Project
Buyers still want move-in ready homes. With prices and mortgage rates high, they’re reluctant to take on renovations. That means sellers need to be realistic about pricing and present their homes well to get attention.
⏳ Days on Market Have Jumped—And That’s Why It Feels Harder
The average Days on Market is now 54, which is up 86% from last year. That stat alone explains a lot of the anxiety sellers are feeling. We’re not in the frenzied 2021 market anymore, but we’re also not in a crash.
So where are we?
We’re in 2025. A new, more nuanced market. Not a bubble, not a bust—just... different. And that means sellers need strategy and buyers need clarity.
If you or someone you know is frustrated trying to buy or sell, share this update with them. The more you understand the market, the better your decisions will be.
And of course, we're always here to help you navigate it. Questions? Let's talk.